Mektic/Peya Clinch First Team Title

Nikola Mektic and Alexander Peya won their second match of the day to capture the Grand Prix Hassan II title in Marrakech, defeating Frenchmen Benoit Paire and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-5, 3-6, 10/7 on Saturday.

Mektic and Peya, who beat Divij Sharan and Jan-Lennard Struff earlier in the day in the semi-finals, won 72 per cent of points behind their first serves in the championship match to win their first title as a team in 86 minutes. It is Mektic’s third tour-level triumph, and the 16th time Peya has lifted a trophy. The Croatian-Austrian duo was appearing in its third final of 2018, after runner-up finishes in Rio de Janeiro and Sofia.

“It was our third final together. We didn’t want to lose again,” explained Peya. “It was a very tough match and we are extremely happy.”

Watch Live On TennisTV

Watch Full Match Replays

The top seeds were forced to save three consecutive set points at 4-5 (15-40) in the first set, before reeling off three consecutive games to establish a lead. Paire and Roger-Vasselin forced a Match Tie-break after a strong reply in the second set, serving the set out to love after breaking in the eighth game. But it was Mektic and Peya who established control of the decider to enter the winners’ circle, securing the title on their second championship point.

“It was a crazy match,” admitted Mektic. “Benoit (Paire) was on fire in the second set. It was a tough week for us as I was sick in the beginning.”

Mektic and Peya will receive 250 ATP Doubles Ranking points and share €27,220 in prize money for clinching the crown. Paire and Roger-Vasselin gain 150 ATP Doubles Rankings points and will split €14,310.

Did You Know?
Only one team has ever successfully defended the doubles title in Morocco since its inaugural edition in 1990. Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011.